Syrian group: IS releases more Assyrian Christian hostages

BEIRUT (AP) — An Assyrian group says Islamic State militants have released 10 more Assyrian Christian hostages they had held captive in Syria since February.

The 10 were part of more than 220 Assyrian Christians captured by the extremist group after it overran communities on the southern bank of Khabur River in the northeastern Syrian province of Hassakeh.

The Assyrian Network for Human Rights said the 10 were released on Tuesday and that they are all in good condition. The Stockholm-based network says there are five women among the released.

It says the release brings the number of Assyrian hostages that have so far been released to 98. The network also says the release was the result of ongoing mediation efforts by the head of the Assyrian Church of the East in Syria.